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One school bus driver says 'yes' and one says 'no' to walkout: hourly workers talk on Day 4

Three teachers from Independence High School in Glendale stand outside the State Capitol after the Senate passed the budget bill that included teacher pay raises on May 3, 2018. The session lasted through the night and to the next morning.
Richard Ruelas/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Three teachers from Independence High School in Glendale stand outside the State Capitol after the Senate passed the budget bill that included teacher pay raises on May 3, 2018. The session lasted through the night and to the next morning.
Richard Ruelas/The Republic

In the House of Representatives, the long night was getting to Rep. Daniel Hernandez, D-Tucson, in red early May 3, 2018.
Rachel Leingang/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

In the House of Representatives, the long night was getting to Rep. Daniel Hernandez, D-Tucson, in red early May 3, 2018.
Rachel Leingang/The Republic

Hundreds of #RefForEd supports gather outside the Arizona Capitol on the evening of May 2, 2018. The overflow rooms are full. On a typical budget night, this mall would be mostly empty except for some lobbyists.
Rachel Leingang/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Hundreds of #RefForEd supports gather outside the Arizona Capitol on the evening of May 2, 2018. The overflow rooms are full. On a typical budget night, this mall would be mostly empty except for some lobbyists.
Rachel Leingang/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters fill the lobby of the Arizona Senate on Wednesday night, May 2, 2018, at the state Capitol in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters wait in the gallery to watch the Arizona Senate debate education funding on Wednesday night, May 2, 2018, at the state Capitol in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Antonio Lozano from Sierra Linda High and Renee Young-Esparza from Barry Goldwater High rally with other teachers during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout on May 2, 2018, at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Antonio Lozano from Sierra Linda High and Renee Young-Esparza from Barry Goldwater High rally with other teachers during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout on May 2, 2018, at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Antonio Lozano from Sierra Linda High School and Renee Young-Esparza from Barry Goldwater High School rally as the Arizona Legislature works into the night on May 2, 2018, at the state Capitol in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Antonio Lozano from Sierra Linda High School and Renee Young-Esparza from Barry Goldwater High School rally as the Arizona Legislature works into the night on May 2, 2018, at the state Capitol in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters fill the gallery in the Arizona Senate waiting for education funding to be discussed on May 2, 2018, at the state Capitol in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters fill the gallery in the Arizona Senate waiting for education funding to be discussed on May 2, 2018, at the state Capitol in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Arizona House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, accompanied by other House lawmakers, speaks with teachers in the House gallery on May 2, 2018. The group asked Mesnard about voting procedures in a cordial and lighthearted discussion.
Andrew Nicla/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Arizona House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, accompanied by other House lawmakers, speaks with teachers in the House gallery on May 2, 2018. The group asked Mesnard about voting procedures in a cordial and lighthearted discussion.
Andrew Nicla/The Republic

Teacher Taylor Dutro listens as protest organizers announce Arizona teachers intentions to go back to work if lawmakers pass a school funding plan, during the fourth day of the statewide teachers' strike at the Arizona Capitol on May 1, 2018, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teacher Taylor Dutro listens as protest organizers announce Arizona teachers intentions to go back to work if lawmakers pass a school funding plan, during the fourth day of the statewide teachers' strike at the Arizona Capitol on May 1, 2018, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Second-grade teacher Susan Crouse talks to a student as he heads back to class at the Maine Consolidated School in Parks, Arizona, on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The small school district has bucked the trend in staying open during widespread teacher walkouts in Arizona.
Felicia Fonseca/Associted Press

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Second-grade teacher Susan Crouse talks to a student as he heads back to class at the Maine Consolidated School in Parks, Arizona, on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The small school district has bucked the trend in staying open during widespread teacher walkouts in Arizona.
Felicia Fonseca/Associted Press

A sign outside the Arizona Capitol is adorned with traffic cones and reads, “Caution poor school funding ahead,” on Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout in Arizona May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

A sign outside the Arizona Capitol is adorned with traffic cones and reads, “Caution poor school funding ahead,” on Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout in Arizona May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Teachers outside the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix vow to call in sick May 3 if there is no budget on May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers outside the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix vow to call in sick May 3 if there is no budget on May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Jannett Oglesby, a social studies teacher in Villa Montessori in Phoenix, listens with other teachers and supporters in the gallery of the House as House members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Ccapitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Jannett Oglesby, a social studies teacher in Villa Montessori in Phoenix, listens with other teachers and supporters in the gallery of the House as House members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Ccapitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers chant, “No bill, no school” on Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers chant, “No bill, no school” on Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters chant "Red For Ed" in the gallery of the House as House members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters chant "Red For Ed" in the gallery of the House as House members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Mary Schuett, a reading interventionist in the Peoria Unified School District, listens with other teachers and supporters in the gallery of the House as House members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Mary Schuett, a reading interventionist in the Peoria Unified School District, listens with other teachers and supporters in the gallery of the House as House members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, speaks to the teachers and other supporters in the gallery in the Senate during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, speaks to the teachers and other supporters in the gallery in the Senate during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Senate President Steve Yarbrough on the Senate floor in the Senate building during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Senate President Steve Yarbrough on the Senate floor in the Senate building during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Kirstie Rylon, a teacher with the Paradise Valley Unified School District, takes home $970.51 every two weeks. She brought a paycheck stub and W-2 to prove it at the state Capitol on May 2, 2018.
Cydney Henderson/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Kirstie Rylon, a teacher with the Paradise Valley Unified School District, takes home $970.51 every two weeks. She brought a paycheck stub and W-2 to prove it at the state Capitol on May 2, 2018.
Cydney Henderson/The Republic

House Speaker J.D. Mesnard (right) speaks with other House members, including Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale (background), Rep. Vince Leach, R-Tucson (front) and Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert (head turned), during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

House Speaker J.D. Mesnard (right) speaks with other House members, including Rep. John Allen, R-Scottsdale (background), Rep. Vince Leach, R-Tucson (front) and Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert (head turned), during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, speaks to the teachers and other supporters in the gallery in the Senate during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, speaks to the teachers and other supporters in the gallery in the Senate during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers chanting “No bill, no school” on Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout in Arizona on May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers chanting “No bill, no school” on Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout in Arizona on May 2, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters wave their hands in the air from gallery of the Senate during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters wave their hands in the air from gallery of the Senate during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Notes are taken from the gallery in the House as House members debate on the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Notes are taken from the gallery in the House as House members debate on the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters wait in line to go to overflow rooms in the Senate building as Senate members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters wait in line to go to overflow rooms in the Senate building as Senate members take the floor during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

On Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout, May 2, 2018, teachers from the Scottsdale Unified School District are talk about leaving the walkout to go to a board meeting where they will be heard: “The money appropriated to our schools is going to be in the hands of the school board. That’s a problem.”
Cydney Henderson/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

On Day 5 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout, May 2, 2018, teachers from the Scottsdale Unified School District are talk about leaving the walkout to go to a board meeting where they will be heard: “The money appropriated to our schools is going to be in the hands of the school board. That’s a problem.”
Cydney Henderson/The Republic

Striking Arizona teachers, many with their children in tow, line up to enter the old state Capitol building in Phoenix, Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Teachers are in the fifth day of a statewide strike.
Bob Christie/Associated Press

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Striking Arizona teachers, many with their children in tow, line up to enter the old state Capitol building in Phoenix, Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Teachers are in the fifth day of a statewide strike.
Bob Christie/Associated Press

A literal straw spotted at #RedForEd Day 5 at the state Capitol on May 2, 2018.
Lily Altavena/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

The lines continue to be long on Day 5 of the #Red4Ed teacher walkout at the state Capitol on May 2, 2018.
Grace Palmieri/The Republic

Eric Peterson, a history teacher at Scottsdale Unified School District, and Baily Hershberger, a teacher at Phoenix Union High School District, rally during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Eric Peterson, a history teacher at Scottsdale Unified School District, and Baily Hershberger, a teacher at Phoenix Union High School District, rally during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Grady Widener, a purchasing assistant with the Phoenix Union High School District, rallies on the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Grady Widener, a purchasing assistant with the Phoenix Union High School District, rallies on the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters wait in line to enter the state house during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters wait in line to enter the state house during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Allie Lewis (right), a third-grade teacher at Chandler Unified School District, signs a petition for the Invest in Education ballot initiative during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Allie Lewis (right), a third-grade teacher at Chandler Unified School District, signs a petition for the Invest in Education ballot initiative during the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters sit in on the fifth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 2, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

#RedForEd supporters at the state Capitol on May 1, 2018.
Rachel Leingang/The Republic

Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association, speaks during a press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association, speaks during a press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

Noah Karvelis, a leader in Arizona Educators United, speaks during a press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state capitol in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Noah Karvelis, a leader in Arizona Educators United, speaks during a press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state capitol in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association, speaks during the press conference.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Rebecca Garelli, a leader in Arizona Educators United, speaks during the press conference.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters listen during the press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters listen during the press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

Aurelia Ionescu, a first-grade teacher at Balsz Elementary School District #31, cheers at the end of the press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Aurelia Ionescu, a first-grade teacher at Balsz Elementary School District #31, cheers at the end of the press conference held by the Arizona Education Association and Arizona Educators United, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. It was announced at the press conference that the teacher walkout will end Thursday if lawmakers pass the budget by Thursday.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Mesa special-education teacher Zina Rhoad-Weinberger told lawmakers on May 1, 2018, that she was quitting after this school year.
Ryan Randazzo/The Republic

Rep. Isela Blanc, D-Tempe, speaks to teachers and other supporters on the balcony of the state House of Representatives during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Rep. Isela Blanc, D-Tempe, speaks to teachers and other supporters on the balcony of the state House of Representatives during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Educators attend an Arizona state House of Representatives appropriations committee meeting about the education funding budget during the fourth day of the teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Educators attend an Arizona state House of Representatives appropriations committee meeting about the education funding budget during the fourth day of the teacher walkout at the state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Joe Thomas, president of Arizona Education Association, speaks with teachers on the fourth day of the teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Joe Thomas, president of Arizona Education Association, speaks with teachers on the fourth day of the teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Rep. Russell "Rusty" Bowers, R-Mesa, listens during an Arizona state House of Representatives appropriations committee meeting about the education funding budget during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Rep. Russell "Rusty" Bowers, R-Mesa, listens during an Arizona state House of Representatives appropriations committee meeting about the education funding budget during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

As the Legislature works toward passing an education-funding bill on Day 4 of the #AZTeacherWalkOut, some teachers say they fear that the budget won't address all the issues they worry about.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

As the Legislature works toward passing an education-funding bill on Day 4 of the #AZTeacherWalkOut, some teachers say they fear that the budget won't address all the issues they worry about.
David Wallace/The Republic

Supporters gather during Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Supporters gather during Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Emma Crotty, a third-grade teacher at Mesa Public Schools, holds her 7-week-old son, Rhys Crotty, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Emma Crotty, a third-grade teacher at Mesa Public Schools, holds her 7-week-old son, Rhys Crotty, during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

School buses sit idle at a main terminal as the statewide teachers strike enters a fourth day Tuesday, May 1, 2018, in Phoenix.
Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Lori Blaine, a teacher in the Deer Valley Unified School District, holds a sign during day four of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix May 1, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Sen. Steve Smith discusses SB 1519 on the Senate floor during Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. SB 1519 addresses protective orders and school safety.
Michael Chow/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Sen. Steve Smith discusses SB 1519 on the Senate floor during Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. SB 1519 addresses protective orders and school safety.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Gaby Conchas (right), a third-grade teacher at Gadsden Elementary School District in San Luis, rallies with other teachers and supporters on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Gaby Conchas (right), a third-grade teacher at Gadsden Elementary School District in San Luis, rallies with other teachers and supporters on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters applaud high school students of the "March for Our Lives group during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters applaud high school students of the "March for Our Lives group during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Jeff Davis, political science teacher at Mountain View High School takes a selfie with his student, Jordan Harb, a junior at Mountain View High and one of the leaders of the leaders of the local, ÒMarch for Our LivesÓ groups during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Jeff Davis, political science teacher at Mountain View High School takes a selfie with his student, Jordan Harb, a junior at Mountain View High and one of the leaders of the leaders of the local, ÒMarch for Our LivesÓ groups during the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Supporters gather during day four of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix May 1, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Supporters gather during day four of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix May 1, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Fifth-grade teacher Kirstie Rylon shows off her W2 during Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. She made $36,673.58 last year teaching in the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
Michael Chow/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Fifth-grade teacher Kirstie Rylon shows off her W2 during Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018. She made $36,673.58 last year teaching in the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Supporters gather at the Arizona Capitol during Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
Michael Chow/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Roxanna Zazueta, a third-grade teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Yuma County, leads a cheer during 566185002
Michael Chow/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters sit on the lawn in front of the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters sit on the lawn in front of the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the overflow lobby adjacent to the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the overflow lobby adjacent to the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Teachers and other supporters listen to the Senate from the balcony above the Senate floor on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

Rep. Douglas Coleman, R-Apache Junction, also a school teacher at Apache Junction High School, talks to teachers and other supporters on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Rep. Douglas Coleman, R-Apache Junction, also a school teacher at Apache Junction High School, talks to teachers and other supporters on the fourth day of the Arizona teacher walkout at the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix on May 1, 2018.
David Wallace/The Republic

A group of women created a tent for mothers at the #RedForEd walkout May 1, 2018. Families can change their child’s diaper and use the tent’s power to pump.
Lauren Castle/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

A group of women created a tent for mothers at the #RedForEd walkout May 1, 2018. Families can change their child’s diaper and use the tent’s power to pump.
Lauren Castle/The Republic

Reporter Rebekah L. Sanders writes, "Security just opened the Arizona House of Representatives for a new batch of teachers to enter the gallery. Folks told me they waited in line 2.5 hours. When the door opened, one said, 'Hallelujah!' "
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Rebekah L. Sanders writes, "Security just opened the Arizona House of Representatives for a new batch of teachers to enter the gallery. Folks told me they waited in line 2.5 hours. When the door opened, one said, 'Hallelujah!' "
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

Reporter Rebekah L. Sanders writes, "Security just opened the Arizona House of Representatives for a new batch of teachers to enter the gallery. Folks told me they waited in line 2.5 hours. When the door opened, one said, 'Hallelujah!' "
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Rebekah L. Sanders writes, "Security just opened the Arizona House of Representatives for a new batch of teachers to enter the gallery. Folks told me they waited in line 2.5 hours. When the door opened, one said, 'Hallelujah!' "
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

Reporter Rebeka L. Sanders writes, "Lots of people walking around with voter registration forms. Daniela Benitez, 19, from the Arizona Center for Empowerment, middle, said everyone has been registered but they’re helping people get on the permanent early voting list or updating information such as addresses."
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Rebeka L. Sanders writes, "Lots of people walking around with voter registration forms. Daniela Benitez, 19, from the Arizona Center for Empowerment, middle, said everyone has been registered but they’re helping people get on the permanent early voting list or updating information such as addresses."
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

Reporter Rebekah L. Sanders writes, “ 'Our teachers were really bummed out when this started because they felt they were abandoning us. So we wanted to come here and spread some love and support our teachers. They were really happy to see us,' said Chandler High senior Dakota Smith."
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Rebekah L. Sanders writes, “ 'Our teachers were really bummed out when this started because they felt they were abandoning us. So we wanted to come here and spread some love and support our teachers. They were really happy to see us,' said Chandler High senior Dakota Smith."
Rebekah L. Sanders/The Republic

Reporter Grace Palmieri writes, "Megan Husted, an art teacher at ASU Prep, and Spencer Simmons, an artist, are out supporting #Red4Ed by painting. Simmons’ mom is a long-time first-grade teacher in Scottsdale: 'My mom’s been out here every day. I thought it’d be cool to document it.' "
Grace Palmieri/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Grace Palmieri writes, "Megan Husted, an art teacher at ASU Prep, and Spencer Simmons, an artist, are out supporting #Red4Ed by painting. Simmons’ mom is a long-time first-grade teacher in Scottsdale: 'My mom’s been out here every day. I thought it’d be cool to document it.' "
Grace Palmieri/The Republic

Reporter Anne Ryman writes, "Art teacher Lisa Jacobs-Hunter came up with a creative solution to keeping herself cool and still get her message across outside the Arizona Capitol for the #RedForEd washout. She painted an umbrella with the words, 'Save our schools' and 'Budget cuts hurt kids.' "
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Anne Ryman writes, "Art teacher Lisa Jacobs-Hunter came up with a creative solution to keeping herself cool and still get her message across outside the Arizona Capitol for the #RedForEd washout. She painted an umbrella with the words, 'Save our schools' and 'Budget cuts hurt kids.' "
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Reporter Ricardo Cano writes," Seeing signature gatherers all throughout Capitol grounds for Invest in Education Act initiative, which would increase income taxes on Arizona's wealthiest for more education funding," on May 1, 2018.
Ricardo Cano/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Ricardo Cano writes," Seeing signature gatherers all throughout Capitol grounds for Invest in Education Act initiative, which would increase income taxes on Arizona's wealthiest for more education funding," on May 1, 2018.
Ricardo Cano/The Republic

A sign at the Arizona Capitol on Day 4 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout reads, “Did someone ask for School-Aid?”
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Anne Ryman writes, "A partly cloudy sky and temperatures in the mid-70s are a welcome break for teachers and parents from the usually relentless Arizona sun on Day 4 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout outside the Arizona Capitol," on May 1, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Reporter Anne Ryman writes, "A partly cloudy sky and temperatures in the mid-70s are a welcome break for teachers and parents from the usually relentless Arizona sun on Day 4 of the #RedForEd teacher walkout outside the Arizona Capitol," on May 1, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Reporter Grace Palmieri writes, "Megan Husted, an art teacher at ASU Prep, and Spencer Simmons, an artist, are out supporting #Red4Ed by painting. Simmons’ mom is a long-time first-grade teacher in Scottsdale: 'My mom’s been out here every day. I thought it’d be cool to document it.' "
Grace Palmieri/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Food trucks outside the Capitol doing good business on Day 4, May 1, 2018, of the #RedForEd teacher walkout. This line for funnel cakes and fry bread is almost 50 deep.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Sign from teachers at Hohokam Elementary School in the Scottsdale Unified School District on Day 4, May 1, 2018, of the #RedForEd teacher walkout: “I’d rather be teaching, but this is important.”
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Sign from teachers at Hohokam Elementary School in the Scottsdale Unified School District on Day 4, May 1, 2018, of the #RedForEd teacher walkout: “I’d rather be teaching, but this is important.”
Anne Ryman/The Republic

Victoria Samudio Rodriguez waves a hand-painted sign that reads, “Teachers create all other professions” on Day 4 of the #RedForEd walkout, May 1, 2018.
Anne Ryman/The Republic

#RedForEd teacher walkout May 1-2, 2018

Three teachers from Independence High School in Glendale stand outside the State Capitol after the Senate passed the budget bill that included teacher pay raises on May 3, 2018. The session lasted through the night and to the next morning.

Jonathan Martin and Jason Alldredge are Mesa Public Schools bus drivers, two of the thousands of classified staff affected by the Arizona teacher walkout now in its fourth day.

Classified staff represents school employees not required to hold teaching certificates. They assist students and teachers in classrooms, serve daily meals, maintain buildings and help get children to school, whether as bus drivers or crossing guards.

Many classified staff voted along with teachers in the Arizona Educators United #RedForEd movement to walk out after Gov. Doug Ducey's proposal to increase teacher's pay 20 percent by 2020. Organizers said the proposal didn't go far enough to address inadequate school funding and appeared to omit non-teaching staff from the raises.

CLOSE

Rep. Douglas Coleman, R-Apache Junction, also a high school teacher, takes us through where we stand with the budget for education funding on day four of the teacher walkout.
David Wallace, The Republic | azcentral.com

One voted 'yes' and one voted 'no'

Martin voted in favor of the walkout, citing low pay and dwindling resources in his district.

"Every day I see the problems that we have with low funding," Martin said. "In my 16 years, this is the worst I’ve ever seen it."

Alldredge voted "no."

"You sign a contract, and you stick to that," Alldredge said. "I think you should teach students to fight for what they believe in, but breaking a contract to do so is against how I was brought up."

As relief drivers, Martin and Alldredge substitute in when there isn't a driver to drive a route, which keeps them driving 40 hours a week and sometimes overtime. Both men say the district can't hire enough bus drivers to keep up with high turnover.

"It’s really hard on the operations when you have different people driving different routes," Martin said. "The kids don’t know who you are, it’s just a bad impact having to change drivers like that all the time."

Al Martin stands next to a school bus at the Scottsdale Unified School District Bus Yard on May 1, 2009.(Photo: Andrea Bloom/The Republic)

Martin has been able to work reduced hours during the walkout. Although Mesa schools are closed, he's been transporting students with special needs to private schools in the district that have remained open.

Alldredge, like many other classified employees, has been unable to work during the walkout. The young driver recently bought his own condominium and is anxious about dipping into his savings to pay bills.

"I signed a contract and I'm willing to go to work," he said. "You don’t anticipate not being able to go to work because other people said you can’t."

Bus driver concerns

Alldredge says in his three years in the district, he mostly drives buses without air conditioning.

"There’s just no funding," he said. "We’ve been told for three years in a row now that, 'Oh, next year we’ll get new buses.' It hasn't happened."

Both men say that most of the buses in the district are older, and it's common for drivers to start their day and find the brake light on, forcing a trip to a mechanic.

"When there are no other drivers available, half the kids are standing there on the corner for 20 minutes," Martin said.

“There’s just no funding. We’ve been told for three years in a row now that, 'Oh, next year we’ll get new buses.' It hasn't happened.”

Jason Alldredge, Mesa Public Schools bus driver

Alldredge said, "Transportation is about the last field in (the district) to get any money. It trickles down and we’re about the last ones to get it."

Martin makes $16.89 an hour with 16 years of experience, approximately $3 more than the starting wage for a bus driver in the district, and $2 more than Alldredge, who has worked in the district for three years.

For comparison, Martin points to the starting wage for a garbage truck drivers in Mesa — $46,467 according to the city website.

"There would be a line out the door if they were starting bus drivers at $16 an hour," Martin said. "When you look at the stuff you have to deal with as a driver, it’s a huge responsibility and it’s just really hard to find people to do it."

Possible benefit of walkout vs. no paycheck

Both men report mixed reactions among colleagues about the potential good a walkout might bring versus the cost these hourly workers are paying, but Alldredge says the majority of drivers did not support a walkout.

"A lot of bus drivers do live paycheck to paycheck and a lot of them count on that money," he said.

Laura Reed, a part-time computer lab teacher in Mesa Public Schools, said that she supports the #RedForEd movement but not the walkout.

"They're missing out on a full week of pay," Reed said of classified staff. "We've been told by the district, 'You'll be able to make up those hours at the end of the school year.' But that doesn't help those families right now."

Reed, who voted against the walkout, says that the vote was given only to certified staff and not classified employees at some schools in her district.

"I think if you had truly had an active vote of all employees, you would have seen a very different outcome," Reed said.

Support for support staff

In Mesa, hourly staff members are not only worried about missing pay, but also having to pay missed health care premiums out of their next paycheck, Mesa Public Schools Governing Board President Ben Smith said.

"I am desperately worried for our classified staff," Smith said. "They still have to pay their premiums, they're going to get smaller paychecks. That's what's keeping me up at night."

Smith says he and colleagues have handed out thousands of gift cards and collected as much as $2,000 from one parent in Fry’s gift cards.

“"I am desperately worried for our classified staff. They still have to pay their premiums, they're going to get smaller paychecks. That's what's keeping me up at night."”

Ben Smith, president, Mesa Public Schools Governing Board

But these donations still don't amount to a paycheck, Smith said.

"It’s really just going to get them to the next day," he said.

The community has similarly banded together in Tempe Elementary School District, where several mothers in the parent-teacher organizations have raised money and resources for parents, teachers and support staff.

Lorie Simms, whose child attends Broadmor Elementary in Tempe, and fellow parents in the district collected more than $1,200 worth of grocery and gasoline gift cards to provide to vulnerable support staff and hourly workers.

Simms says the parents typically raise money for gift cards for teachers in the Tempe Elementary district, but the teachers instead asked parents to send the resources to support staff who won't be paid.

"They're not looking out for themselves first, they're looking out for support staff and paraprofessionals and office staff," Simms said. "I've always been so inspired by our school community, and I really have felt that tenfold since this started."